Top US arms sales go to Arab countries. Some supporters of Israel, huh?

Most of the leading buyers of American military hardware in 2008 had two characteristics in common: they speak Arabic and their governments are opposed to democracy and basic freedoms. Information compiled by the Congressional Research Service revealed that the biggest recipients of U.S. arms sales last year were (in order): the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iraq and Egypt. With the exception of the popularly-elected government in Baghdad, all of these American military partners are ruled by autocratic or theocratic regimes.

This is interesting in light of our government's persistent and harmful involvement in the Middle East on both its own and Israel's behalf. Politicians left and right often form a "strong constituency for never offending Israel." But does our involvement really help either side? No:

Remember that American tax dollars have been instrumental in the incredible militarization of the entire region. We give Israel about $3 billion each year, but we also give Egypt $2 billion. Most other Middle East countries get money too, some of which ends up in Palestinian hands. Both sides have far more military weapons as a result. Talk about adding fuel to the fire! Our foolish and unconstitutional foreign aid, though debatably well-intentioned, only intensifies the conflict.

Read the rest of Ron Paul's explanation here. This AllGov report only bolsters his point that we are definitely not bringing peace to the Middle East through our unjust and expensive internventions.